How To Study Medicine In USA- Are you interested in studying medicine in USA? Then you should follow this guide to the end. To study medicine in USA, the requirements are a bit different from countries like UK and Europe. So here is how to study medicine in USA.
How To Study Medicine In USA
Studying Medicine In USA
The curriculum of medicine in USA is usually an intensive one, a full time activity. The study program is usually for 4 years. The 1st year usually involves subjects like Anatomy, histology, Pathology and Biochemistry. You will have to do a lot of crammings and memorizations at this time. Teachings will be both classroom and lab-based.
During your study, you will also go through clinical rotations. Here, you will have a practical feel of what it means to be a doctor. You will have the opportunity to work with experienced medical personnels. You will also be interacting with patients during your clinical rotations.
Before you can be awarded Doctor of Medicine degree in the United States, you will have to sit for and pass USMLE. USMLE stands for United States Medical Licensing Examination also called board exam. This exam is usually in 3 parts. The first part of the exam will be done after your second year in medical school. The second part of exam will be during the 4th year while the 3rd level will be after your first year of residency.
What You Should Know About MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
MCAT is a qualifying exam you will have to sit for as an aspiring medical student. This exam is a multichoice exam coordinated by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The MCAT exam is an intensive exam that usually lasts for 7 hrs 30 minutes to complete.
The exam comprises four main parts:
- Biological & Biochemical foundations of living systems
- Foundations of Biological Systems (Chemical & Physical)
- Psychological , social & Biological foundations of Behaviours
- Critical Analysis & Reasoning skills
What Is The Duration Of Study Medicine In USA
Like I mentioned earlier, medicine in USA is usually a post-graduate program . That is , before you can be given an admission, you must have gone through a 4-year premed course in a related course. The duration to study medicine in USA is usually 4 years. After that is a 3-year residency where students undergo supervised training in the chosen field of medicine. And if as an international student, you still feel you need some extra training, then you can go for fellowship (which is between 1 to 4 years).
Requirements To Study Medicine In USA
The requirements for admission to study in USA slightly differs from one medical school to another. So its always best to check the school of interest for their requirements. However, below are the general requirements to study medicine in USA.:
- You must have completed a 4-year premed undergraduate degree in a related field (Note that: Medicine in USA is usually done as a post-graduate program and not 1ST degree.
- Sit and pass MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test ).
- High school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Good scores in TOEFL exam
- Letters of recommendation
- Extra-curriculum activities
How To Apply To Study Medicine In USA
For you to apply to study medicine in USA, you will have to do that through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). However, if you are applying to Texas university, you should apply through Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).
Usually, AMCAS will help submit your application (which included details of work experience, transcripts of coursework and extracurricular activities) and MCAT results to your choice medical school. AMCAS will charge you a fee of $169 to one medical school application and $38 extra to include other schools. Applications are usually open in first week of May and closes in June.
Top Universities To Study Medicine In USA
Here are top universities to study medicine in USA:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- John Hopkins University
- University of California
- University of Pennsylvania
- Washington University
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- University of Washington
How Do I Become A Doctor In The USA
During your study of medicine in any medical school in USA, you will develop some critical skills needed to succeed in the career( such as communication, empathy, team work, etc). In the last year of your study, you will be required to choose a specialization . Your choice depends on your interest.
The residency period is a time that medical graduates get to train in hospitals with experienced health care professionals. Duration of residency depends on your specialization, but it is usually between 3-7 years. After your residency, you can choose to go for a fellowship for further training. Before you can be able to practice medicine in USA, you must get licensing from the state in which you want to work.
Last Note
To study medicine in USA can really be intensive and also lengthy. It also can really be expensive most especially if you choose a private medical school. So before you put out your application to study medicine in USA, you must be sure you are passionate about medicine and of course be ready to handle the financial implications of studying medicine in USA. But of course, getting a medical degree in USA implies that you will be receiving best education in the world in a very noble profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total duration of study of medicine in USA?
Actually medicine in USA is a 4-year program. However, to be eligible to apply for medicine there, you must have a 4-year bachelor degree in a related science course. This is because medicine as a course is being run as a post-graduate course in USA. After spending 4 years to study medicine, you will go for residency which takes between 3-7 years depending on your area of specialization. Then you can go on further for fellowship if you wish, this takes about 1-4 years.
Are international students accepted to study medicine in USA?
Well, not all medical schools are open to international students. But the few ones that do have quite limited slots for international students.
How do I become eligible to study Medicine in USA?
These are some of the requirements for admission to study medicine in USA:
· You must be at least 17 years old
· You must be proficient in the use of English
· You must score at least 50% in your HSC board from a recognized board of examination.
· You must pass the medical entrance examination
· High school diploma
What are some of the medical schools in USA that accept international students?
· Duke University School of Medicine
· Harvard Medical School
· Howard University College of Medicine
· John Hopkins University School of Medicine
· Boston University School of Medicine
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· Emory University School of Medicine
· Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
What is the age limit to study medicine in USA?
For you to study medicine in USA, you must be at least 17 years old. However, there is no maximum age to study medicine.
What university is the best to study medicine in USA?
Below are the top universities in USA that offers medicine:
· Harvard University
· John Hopkins University
· University of California-San Francisco
· Yale University
· University of Pennsylvania
· University of California-Los Angeles
· Stanford University
How much is the tuition fee for international students to study medicine in USA ?
For you to study medicine in USA as an international student, the tuition fee is between 18,000 USD to 86,000 USD.
What kind of medical entrance exam do students applying to study medicine in USA sit for?
For you to apply for medicine in USA, you must have had a first degree in a related science course. After that, you will have to sit for an entrance examination called MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Your performance in the exam will largely determine if you will be given admission to study medicine in your choice institution or not.
MBBS is called what in USA?
MBBS degree called MD degree in USA
Are there scholarships for one to study medicine in USA?
Yes. There are a number of scholarships for students that wants to study Medicine in USA. Some of these scholarships include:
· Stanford Medicine Scholarships
· Harvard Medical School Scholarships
· Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship by the American Medical Association (AMA)
· Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Scholarship program
· Narotam Sekhsaria Postgraduate Scholarship
What do I need become a doctor in USA?
For you to become a medical doctor in USA, you must have obtained MBBS also known as MD. You should also go for residency which takes about 3-7 years. For you to practice as a doctor, you will be required to sit for some qualifying exams after which you can now apply for license in the state that you want to practice
References
- www. themedicportal. com- Studying Medicine In The USA
- www. internationalstudent. com- Study Medicine In USA
- www. masterportal. com- What are the Medical School Entry requirements in Europe and the US.
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